Integrated carry-on baggage cart and passenger screening station

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed towards apparatuses and methods for securing a location. Particularly, the present invention is directed towards methods, apparatuses, and integrated systems for the screening of individual passengers and their corresponding carry-on baggage carts with improved throughput, efficiency, and quality. In addition, the current invention is directed towards a carry-on baggage cart specifically designed for the disclosed integrated carry-on baggage cart and passenger screening system of the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/032,314, filed on Jan. 10, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for, and a method of,securing a location. More specifically, the present invention is amethod, apparatus, and integrated system for screening of individualpassengers and their corresponding carry-on baggage carts with improvedthroughput, efficiency, and quality. The present invention also relatesto a carry-on baggage cart specifically designed for the disclosedintegrated carry-on baggage cart and passenger screening system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Locations must often be secured to ensure public safety and welfare. Forexample, places where there are large concentrations of people, such asairports or entertainment events, places that are of particulargovernmental importance, such as courthouses and government buildings,and other places where the threat of violence is high, such as prisons,require security measures to thwart dangerous or illegal activities. Theprimary security objective is to prevent the unauthorized entry ofweapons, dangerous materials, illegal items, or other contraband intothe location, thereby securing it. This is often achieved by requiringall people and items to enter into the location through definedcheckpoints and, in those checkpoints, subjecting those people and itemsto thorough searches.

Currently, various devices are used to perform such searches. Regardlessof the place of use, these detection systems are employed to detect thepresence of contraband on the body or luggage of individuals enteringthe secure area. Contraband is not limited to weapons and arms, butrather it includes explosives (fireworks, ammunition, sparklers,matches, gunpowder, signal flares); weapons (guns, swords, peppersprays, martial arts weapons, knives); pressurized containers (hairsprays, insect repellant, oxygen/propane tanks); poisons (insecticides,pesticides, arsenic, cyanide); household items (flammable liquids,solvents, bleach); and corrosives (acids, lye, mercury).

Such conventional security systems rely on data individually recorded byeach security device to evaluate the performance of the specific device.For example, a metal detector with an embedded counter records andstores the number of people that passed through the metal detector in agiven period of time. Similarly, a baggage screening X-ray machinerecords the number of bags passed through the system and the number ofbags that possibly contained contraband.

In addition, screening checkpoints used in current security systemspredominately operate using a single input and single output lineapproach. Each item must be thoroughly and individually scanned in theconventional systems. The complex security protocols being institutedrequire individuals to have each of their belongings, including laptops,shoes, coats, mobile phones, keys and other items, scanned by an X-rayscanner. It takes a considerable amount of time for individuals todivest themselves of their belongings and to remove laptops from theircases. This divestiture process tends to happen serially withindividuals waiting in line until they have access to the machine.Contributing to the lag associated with the divestiture process, currentsystems employ a single conveyor belt, upon which each of the individualpassenger items must be placed in order for the items to pass throughthe x-ray machine. Once the items are scanned, they accumulate on theopposite side of the scanning machine, thus creating “traffic” on thebelt until retrieved by the passenger/owner. The belt must often bestopped by the operator to prevent the backlog of unclaimed baggage fromreversing into the x-ray machine.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,472,984, assigned to Georal International Ltd.,discloses a method of restricting access to an area comprising the stepsconsisting of: a) providing a chamber having one or more first doors andone or more second doors; b) opening said first doors to allow a personentry to the chamber from an infeed area; c) sensing for contraband asthe person enters the chamber; d) if no contraband was sensed duringentry to the chamber, closing the first door and opening said seconddoor to allow the person access to the protected area, but if contrabandwas sensed maintaining said second door closed and allowing the firstdoors to open to provide access from the chamber to the infeed area; ande) detecting the presence of objects remaining in said chamber after theperson has vacated the chamber, and inhibiting opening of at least oneof said doors if an object is detected in said chamber.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,650, assigned to Gerald Stomski, describes asecurity system for monitoring and protecting personnel in an areaincluding at least one queue of successively arriving individuals,comprising: a plurality of at least three contiguous chambers, includingan entry chamber, an exit chamber and at least one intermediate chamber,wherein said chambers are arranged in a matrix of at least two parallellines of chambers so as to receive at least two parallel queues ofsuccessively arriving individuals, said chambers each havingbullet-proof transparent walls and bullet-proof doors, said doorsincluding: an entry door to the entry chamber, an exit door from theexit chamber, a common door between each intermediate chamber and a saidcontiguous chamber, said doors having remotely controlled locks, meansfor monitoring a selected individual in a selected chamber, and anautomated door interlock system arranged and adapted to remotely unlockselected locks to pass individuals successively through said chambers,and to lock selected locks to detain selected individuals duringmonitoring.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,644, assigned to William Diaz, discloses an accesscontrol vestibule, comprising; a vestibule frame configured to form saidaccess control vestibule mounted in said vestibule frame; an entrancedoor and an exit door; an entrance door frame and an exit door frame; apanel mounted in said vestibule frame and forming a side wall section ofsaid vestibule; said entrance door and said exit door being formed by apanel mounted in each of said door frames; locks associated with saidentrance door and said exit door; a metal detector located to detect ametal object being disposed between said entrance and exit doors;control means to prevent both doors from being unlocked at the sametime, and to prevent said exit door from being unlocked when said metaldetector detects a metal object; said entrance door and said exit doorboth being manually operated; and said entrance door and said exit dooreach being formed by a single swinging door, and swingable towards theoutside of said vestibule.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,535, assigned to Scan-Tech Security, L.P., disclosesan “apparatus for inspecting an article comprising a longitudinallyextending cabinet having top and bottom walls, oppositely disposed sidewalls, and oppositely disposed end walls; a longitudinally extendingslot-like opening in said cabinet adjacent a corresponding edge of saidtop wall and a side wall; an entrance opening at one portion of saidcabinet and an exit opening at another portion of said cabinet, saidentrance opening and said exit opening connecting with said longitudinalopening so that a hand-held suspended article can be passed in saidcabinet by a person holding said article outside said cabinet; meansarranged within said cabinet for generating sensing radiation in adirection transversely to movement of said hand-held article; and meansfor detecting said radiation after passage through said article and forrecording resulting information.” More specifically, the '535 patentdescribes an inspection system for simultaneously inspecting handcarried articles and providing metal detection of the person carryingsaid articles. Metal detection of the person is accomplishedindependently by walking through a metal detector arch.

The conventional prior art security baggage and passenger screeningsystems described above are inefficient in the manner in which they areset up to receive and distribute both passengers and their carry-onbaggage. As mentioned above, the security protocols of conventionalprior art screening systems require individuals to have each of theirbelongings, including laptops, shoes, coats, mobile phones, keys andother items, scanned by an X-ray scanner. It takes a considerable amountof time for individuals to divest themselves of these belongings. Thisdivestiture process tends to happen serially with individuals waiting inline until they have access to the machine. Thus, X-ray machineoperators spend more time waiting for passengers to divest themselves oftheir belongings and load them onto the conveyor than scanning bags.

In addition to the lag associated with the divestiture process, currentsystems employ a single conveyor belt, upon which each of the individualpassenger items must be placed in order for the items to pass throughthe x-ray machine. Once the items are scanned, they accumulate on theopposite side of the scanning machine, thus creating “traffic” on thebelt until retrieved by the owner. The resultant scanned baggagebelonging to passengers that have been selected for additional handsearching wait at the X-ray system's exit conveyor until thosepassengers are thoroughly searched. Thus, the bags are left on theconveyor for approximately at least 1.5-2.0 minutes, thereby causing aback-up that forces the X-ray machine operator to have to wait untilsuch back-up is cleared. The belt must often be stopped by the operatorto prevent the backlog of unclaimed baggage from reversing into thex-ray machine.

Thus, even when individual passengers have access to the machine, theprocess is still time-consuming as each individual item to be scannedmust be placed on the single conveyor belt and then collected by theowner. This is especially true for Computerized Tomography (CT) scanningsystems, which are much slower in operation compared with conventionalX-ray scanning systems. CT scanning systems are being used morefrequently in airport baggage scanning scenarios. In addition to thetime it takes for the machine to operate, it may take some time for apassenger to reclaim and collect his baggage and other personalbelongings, further creating a backlog in the scanning system. Inaddition, such existing systems tend to have many other problems,including for example, several security personnel having excessivedowntime and a necessity for a dedicated operator for each detector todirect traffic.

Additionally, passengers lack sufficient information regarding how tomost efficiently pass through a baggage checkpoint or screening station.For example, passengers may wait in a screening station or checkpointlane full of passengers while a second lane remains completely empty,thereby causing unnecessary delay. Thus, the much desired streamlinedand efficient function of the scanning operation is hampered. Currentsystems lack appropriate means for indicating whether lanes, among aplurality of check station lanes, are operational or closed.

Furthermore, passengers lack information regarding what items should besubjected to CT scanning, x-ray scanning, metal detection, or handsearching, such as large buckle belts or shoes. The presence of portablecomputing devices, such as laptops, further causes more delay. It takesa considerable amount of time for individuals to remove laptops fromtheir cases. Generally, as described above, portable computing devicesmust be removed from their carrying case and placed into bins or drawersso that they can be scanned singularly. Passengers often fail toefficiently remove such items from their carrying cases and,consequently, do not proceed through the scanning checkpointefficiently. Individual passengers thus wait in line until they haveaccess to the machine.

Additionally, those areas contained within the scanning checkpoint orcheck station areas specifically allocated for passengers to divestthemselves of their belongings are not set up to facilitate rapid andefficient divestiture of passenger belongings. In conventional systems,such areas consist of tables located in front of or around the conveyorbelt scanner, thus causing those slower passengers to block the linefrom moving at a reasonable and efficient pace. Along the same lines,the problem also presents itself when passengers collect theirbelongings and reload their items and replace portable computing devicesin their cases. Individual passengers also lack proper instruction onwhere to stand so as not to obstruct the natural flow of the X-rayscanning system line.

Conventional security screening systems lack appropriate means forhandling carry-on baggage in its entirety prior to and/or duringscanning. Traditional carry-on baggage carts are cumbersome and bulky indimension, including towable, portable, or mobile carts. These carry-onbaggage carts present problems when scanned in conventional scanningsystems. For example, the design of the carts does not allow forconventional scanning systems to sufficiently scan due to the inadequatepositioning of the carry-on baggage. This, in turn, leads to thecapturing, storing, processing and development of incomplete andimprecise X-ray images. In addition, the carry-on luggage carts requirea larger X-ray apparatus to be scanned completely. Metal bars ofexisting cart designs may also hinder the path of the X-ray, thusobscuring some of the items placed on the cart from scanning. This alsoleads to imprecise capturing, storing, processing and development ofx-ray images. In addition, in scanning conventionally designed carry-onbaggage carts, it is difficult to contain the x-ray radiation; to scanan existing, conventional carry-on baggage cart, the x-ray machine wouldneed a large opening. Thus, in such systems, costly safeguards wouldneed to be implemented to protect the general public and x-rayoperators.

Despite these prior art efforts to improve methods, apparatuses, andsystems for scanning carry-on baggage, the above mentioned problems havenot been solved. The prior art methods fail to disclose methods andsystems that alleviate delay during the divestiture process. Inaddition, the prior art does not improve the overall efficiency andthroughput of the system.

Thus, there is a need for an improved security check station thatreduces the waiting time for individuals and has improved throughput andefficiency. Such a system would reduce over-staffing of securitypersonnel, facilitate automation of the metal detector, curtail idletime of machine operators, and significantly increase throughput of themachines due to decreased back-up of the conveyor system. In a scanningsystem with improved throughput and efficiency, it is possible to reducethe total number of scanning stations required at any one location. Inaddition, with shorter lines of people waiting for baggage and bodyscans, less floor space is required.

Additionally, there is a need for methods or systems of integrating datafrom multiple security devices dynamically and communicating such datato a plurality of users, in order to enable effective security. Inparticular, there is a need for integrating scan data from individualpassenger scans with carry-on cart baggage data from such a screeningsystem to correlate the data.

There is also a need for an intelligently managed security system, wherethe plurality of information is centrally processed for yieldingspecific outputs to different users. Also, there is a need to correlatethe scanning data of different entities to improve the security level.

In addition, there is a need for methods and systems which employ aComputed Tomography (CT) scanner in an integrated carry-on baggage cartand passenger screening station.

There is also a need for a carry-on baggage cart that is capable ofbeing collapsed, thus allowing the cart and its contents to pass throughthe CT scanner.

There is also a need for a carry-on luggage cart that is X-raytransmissive to allow for the CT scanner to rotate and scan completelyaround the cart.

There is also a need for a method and system for increasing the securityassociated with an integrated carry-on baggage cart and passengerscreening station, in which passengers are associated with theircorresponding carry-on baggage cart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward an integrated securitycheckpoint that can screen both individual passengers and carry-on cartscontaining their baggage. The methods, apparatuses, and systems of thepresent invention enable the efficient scanning of both individualpassengers and their respective carry-on carts in the same secure areaby providing individual passengers with a screening cart, permittingpassengers to send the screening cart through an X-ray imaging machine,and permitting passengers to walk through an adjacent metal detectorwhere, once cleared, the individual passenger can retrieve his or herscreening cart.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed towards a methodfor conducting security comprising the steps of providing a person to bescreened with a screening cart wherein the screening cart is a frameassembly designed to physically complement an X-ray scanning system;providing a conveyer mechanism that directs the screening cart throughan X-ray scanning system; inspecting the contents of the screening cartand delivering the screening cart to the passenger. The method furtherincludes directing a passenger to walk through a passenger screeningdevice. In one embodiment, the passenger screening device is a metaldetector. In another embodiment, the passenger indicates that thepassenger is ready to be screened.

In another embodiment of the method for conducting security, thescreening cart is a frame assembly designed with collapsible legs. Thescreening cart is also designed to stack into other screening carts forstorage.

Preferably, the cart is comprised of an X-ray transmissive material,such as carbon fiber or transparent synthetic resin.

In one embodiment of the method for conducting security, the X-rayscanning system comprises a radiation source and a detector array. Theradiation source is a dual energy source. In one embodiment, the X-rayscanning system comprises any one or a combination of ComputerizedTomography (CT) scanning systems, quadrupole resonance systems, X-raydiffraction systems and X-ray backscatter systems.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed towards asystem for conducting security, comprising an X-ray scanning systemwhich further comprises an entrance designed to physically complement ascreening cart frame assembly; a guide mechanism to direct a screeningcart passing through the X-ray scanning system; and a mechanism fordelivering the screening cart to the passenger after both passenger andcart have been screened. Preferably, the X-ray scanning system comprisesa radiation source and a detector array. The radiation source ispreferably a dual energy source. In one embodiment, the X-ray scanningsystem comprises a radiation source and a detector array. The radiationsource is a dual energy source. In one embodiment, the X-ray scanningsystem comprises any one or a combination of Computerized Tomography(CT) scanning systems, quadrupole resonance systems, X-ray diffractionsystems and X-ray backscatter systems.

In one embodiment, a passenger screening device, such as but not limitedto a metal detector, is provided.

In one embodiment, the screening cart comprises a frame assemblydesigned with collapsible legs. The screening cart is also designed tostack into other screening carts for storage. Preferably, the cart iscomprised of an X-ray transmissive material.

In another embodiment the present invention is directed towards a methodfor conducting security comprising the steps of providing a person to bescreened with a screening cart wherein the screening cart is a frameassembly designed to physically complement the entry gate and internalconfiguration of an X-ray system; providing a conveyor mechanism thatdirects the screening cart through an X-ray scanning system; deliveringthe screening cart to the passenger; inspecting the contents of thescreening cart; indicating to a passenger to walk through a passengerscreening device; delivering the screening cart to the passenger, afterboth passenger and cart have been screened; and integrating datacollected from both X-ray scanning system and passenger screening deviceto generate overall threat assessment.

Preferably, the X-ray scanning system comprises a radiation source and adetector array. The radiation source is preferably a dual energy source.In one embodiment, the X-ray scanning system comprises any one or acombination of Computerized Tomography (CT) scanning systems, quadrupoleresonance systems, X-ray diffraction systems and X-ray backscattersystems.

In one embodiment, a passenger screening device, such as but not limitedto a metal detector, is provided.

In one embodiment, the screening cart comprises a frame assemblydesigned with collapsible legs. The screening cart is also designed tostack into other screening carts for storage. Preferably, the cart iscomprised of an X-ray transmissive material.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed towards asystem for conducting security, comprising an X-ray scanning systemfurther comprising an entrance designed to physically complement ascreening cart frame assembly; a guide mechanism to direct a screeningcart passing through the X-ray scanning system; a passenger screeningdevice; a mechanism for delivering the screening cart to the passengerafter both passenger and cart have been screened; and an integratedscreening station for integrating data collected from both X-rayscanning system and passenger screening device to generate overallthreat assessment.

Preferably, the integrated screening station comprises a central server,further comprising a processor and a memory in data communication withthe X-ray scanning system and the passenger screening device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the X-ray scanning system comprises aradiation source and a detector array. The radiation source ispreferably a dual energy source. In one embodiment, the X-ray scanningsystem comprises any one or a combination of Computerized Tomography(CT) scanning systems, quadrupole resonance systems, X-ray diffractionsystems and X-ray backscatter systems.

In one embodiment, a passenger screening device such as, but not limitedto, a metal detector is provided.

In one embodiment, the screening cart comprises a frame assemblydesigned with collapsible legs. The screening cart is also designed tostack into other screening carts for storage. Preferably, the cart iscomprised of an X-ray transmissive material.

In one embodiment, the integrated carry-on cart and passenger screeningstation of the present invention further comprises enhanced security. Inone embodiment, the security enhancement comprises a bar code reader.

In one embodiment, the bar code reader is located at a cart accessstation, where the passenger retrieves an empty cart. In one embodiment,the bar code reader is used to register passenger information into adatabase to associate a cart with a passenger. In one embodiment, thepassenger information is associated with a cart by scanning thepassenger's boarding pass underneath the bar code reader.

In one embodiment, the carry-on cart, in any configuration, mayoptionally include a small computer with a display for displaying theinformation scanned from the passenger, such as, but not limited to,passenger name, flight information, and the like.

In one embodiment, the carry-on cart employed in the present inventionmay further comprise a cover. In one embodiment, the cover furthercomprises a roll-top or netting. In one embodiment, the coverautomatically locks when the passenger closes it after he finishes thedivestiture process. In one embodiment, after the scanning process iscomplete, the passenger can “unlock” the cart cover by simply waving thebar code on his boarding pass underneath the bar code reader that isfixedly attached to the small computer on the cart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will beappreciated, as they become better understood by reference to thefollowing Detailed Description when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment and functional layoutof an integrated carry-on baggage cart and passenger screening station,facilitating screening of both carry-on luggage placed on the screeningcart and individual passengers;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carry-on baggage cart or screeningcart configuration as used in the present invention;

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c illustrate various perspective views of an X-rayimaging system as used in the carry-on baggage cart screening portion ofthe integrated screening system of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts the X-ray imaging system inspection area entrance in onemode of operation of the integrated carry-on cart and passengerscreening station of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an automated passenger X-ray metaldetector in one embodiment of the integrated carry-on cart and passengerscreening station of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a conventional Computed Tomography(CT) baggage scanning system as used in the integrated carry-on cart andpassenger screening station of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a conventional Computed Tomography(CT) baggage scanning system just prior to receiving a collapsiblecarry-on cart, as used in the integrated carry-on cart and passengerscreening station of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a general mode of operation of a conventional CTbaggage scanning system;

FIG. 9 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of a carry-on baggagecart as employed in the present invention, in an extended configuration;

FIG. 9 b is a perspective view of one embodiment of a carry-on baggagecart as employed in the present invention, in a collapsed or retractedconfiguration;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of one exemplary embodiment andfunctional layout of an integrated carry-on baggage cart and passengerscreening station, facilitating screening of both carry-on luggageplaced on the screening cart and individual passengers;

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary passenger screening station of the presentinvention, in which a turnstile is employed to facilitate passengerentrance and exit; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting exemplary operational steps in thesecurity enhancement mechanism of the integrated carry-on baggage cartand passenger screening station of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a high throughput screeningsystem that improves the efficiency, technique, and quality of passengerand carry-on baggage scanning at secure locations. Although the systemof the present invention has many applications, an exemplary embodimentwill be described with particular reference to its application to anairport security system. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate the present invention may be applied to a plurality of othersecurity environments, including prisons, government buildings, otherbuildings requiring secured access, and entertainment venues.

As used here, the term “baggage” refers to any type of carry-on item asis conventionally allowed in various locations, including, but notlimited to smaller sized luggage, laptop cases, purses, briefcases,umbrellas, handbags, large coats, and in some cases, shoes. Generally,these items are required to be removed from the individual prior toentrance into the metal detector area. In addition, while the terms“individual” and “passenger” are used interchangeably, it is to beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that any living entitymay be screened for any reason in the metal detector portion of thesystem of the present invention and constitutes an individual orpassenger.

The screening system of the present invention comprises a plurality ofscreening devices, including, but not limited to, metal detectors, X-rayimaging systems, baggage trace detectors, trace portals, personnelscanners, X-ray diffraction systems, CT systems, and personnelidentification systems. In one embodiment, the screening system of thepresent invention employs both a passenger metal detector system and acarry-on cart baggage scanning system. Thus, both the passenger andtheir baggage may be screened efficiently. In addition, the presentinvention optionally employs a method for integrating the informationfrom the two detection sources, thus enabling a more accurate threatlevel determination.

More specifically, the present invention discloses novel methods,apparatuses, and systems facilitating screening of both individualpassengers and their carry-on luggage carts thus improving theefficiency and throughput of the screening system. Preferably, the scandata from the carry-on baggage cart screening system and the individualpassenger screening system are transmitted to a central server by anymethod known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Optionally, the present invention may associate assessment data of twoor more entities to evaluate the overall threat level of a plurality ofentities, wherein the entity can be an individual or a bag. Simplyevaluating the threat level associated with each individual based uponthe metal content possessed by that individual may not be sufficient.

In current security systems, the X-ray screening system can be abottleneck relative to the entire screening system. It takes aconsiderable amount of time for individuals to divest themselves oftheir personal belongings including shoes, coats, keys, and phones andto remove laptops from their cases for X-ray screening of these items.This series of operations tends to happen serially with everyone waitingin line until they have access to the machine and it is their turn todivest. This is followed by the need to reconcile the passenger itemsafter screening that, again, creates delays in the check station flow.

Operationally, it is preferred that passengers are positively linked totheir belongings, including luggage, bags, and other personal items.Personal belongings not subject to a baggage claim check or other tagmay be linked to specific passengers by tagging each personal belongingat the security checkpoint or check station. It is preferred, however,to associate passengers with their belongings using a form of physicalassociation. In one embodiment, a passenger divests themselves ofpersonal belongings by placing all appropriate items into the firststage screening device, such as on the carry-on baggage cart, orscreening cart, capable of passing through the X-ray screening machinevia a floor conveying mechanism with guide rails. While the first stagescreening device is conducting a scan on the passenger's carry-onbaggage, that particular passenger is preferably directed to walkthrough the metal detector via a gate mechanism, which is furtherdescribed in detail below. Succeeding passengers are prevented fromtaking any action by a gate or light. After the first individual andtheir belongings successfully pass through the first stage screeningprocess and, accordingly, a second gate, light, or area, a subsequentindividual is allowed to enter the first stage screening process.

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of theinvention. While the invention will be described in conjunction withspecific embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention to oneembodiment.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment andfunctional layout of an integrated carry-on baggage cart and individualpassenger screening station 100, facilitating thorough screening of bothcarry-on baggage placed on the cart and passengers. Integrated screeningstation 100 comprises a central server 101 (not shown), which has aprocessor 101 a (not shown) and a memory 101 b (not shown) in datacommunication with at least two screening devices. In one embodiment,the two screening devices comprise an X-ray imaging system 102, such asa C-frame X-ray imaging system, and passenger screening metal detector103. X-ray baggage screening system 102 is designed to accept carry-onbaggage carts, as will be described in further detail below. One ofordinary skill in the art can appreciate that a plurality of screeningdevices may be incorporated in the system without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

Processor 101 a can execute a plurality of different calculations,processes, and/or algorithms to evaluate the assessment data receivedfrom the plurality of devices. In one embodiment, the assessment data isevaluated according to a fuzzy logic algorithm based upon rulesestablished governing the meaning of individual features. Alternately, aneural network may be employed to evaluate the data. Alternatively, thedata may be evaluated by an automated classification system.

The above mentioned approaches of threat evaluation improve the level ofsecurity because data from multiple screening devices can be integratedto determine if a threat level exists. In particular, the integration ofdata from multiple screening devices aids in efficiently handlingcircumstances whereby an individual is cleared by each screening deviceindependently but, in combination, represents a sufficient threatrequiring subsequent analysis.

Passengers, once having entered integrated screening station 100,perform a few mandatory tasks, in part or wholly manual, including, butnot limited to, pulling carry-on cart or screening cart 104, (describedin greater detail with respect to FIG. 2) from empty carry-on cart area105 and subsequently loading carry-on cart 104 with personal belongingsin loading area 106 for entrance into inspection area 107. Carry-on cartor screening cart 104 is screened through inspection area 107 viaC-frame X-ray imaging system 102, described in greater detail below withrespect to FIG. 3. Individual passengers are directed to walk throughmetal detector 103, which is also described in greater detail below withrespect to FIG. 5.

Each screening device has an associated memory and processing power thatis used to evaluate the threat level associated with an entity, beingscanned or detected, and to determine the value of assessment data to betransferred preferably to central server and/or other devices. Thus,central server 101 optionally aggregates data received from theplurality of screening devices 102 and 103, and uses a set ofpre-defined processes to determine the overall threat level associatedwith the scanned entity. Once determined, an alarm, status signal, orother threat indicator information is communicated to an indicatorsystem (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethat central server 101 could optionally be physically combined with oneof the screening devices and need not be independent or separate fromany or all of the devices.

Assessment data is received by the central server 101 from the employedscreening devices, via a transceiver, into memory 101 b. Preferably,each device, including X-ray imaging system 102, metal detector 103, andoptional devices, such as but not limited to, a trace detector, arecapable of transmitting data in a real-time manner to the central server101 and/or every other device present in the system. Memory 101 b is indata communication with a processor 101 a capable of executing code todetermine a total threat level based upon the individual deviceassessment data received. The memory 101 b and processor 101 a may beincorporated into one of the screening devices or be embodied in centralserver 101 that is in data communication with the plurality of screeningdevices.

Carry-on baggage cart 104 is designed to pass through the suitablydesigned C-frame X-ray imaging system 102 via a conveyance mechanism108, such as, but not limited to a guide rail mechanism. If no item ofthreat or concern is detected in any of the screening devices, thecarry-on baggage cart and/or passenger are cleared. Upon detection of anitem of threat or concern, the entire carry-on baggage cart and/orpassenger is tagged as suspect and taken to a designated search area,whereby the individual or carry-on baggage are subjected to furthermanual search. Subsequently, passengers off-load carts 104 in adesignated area 109, away from the screening area, thereby preventingcongestion. Eventually, carts are put back into use via the cart moverportion 110 of the conveyance mechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment the carry-on baggage cart or screening cartis of a three-dimensional (3-D) configuration allowing it to fit andthus pass through the preferably custom-designed entry gate of theC-framed X-ray imaging system implemented in accordance with the presentinvention and as described in further detail with respect to FIG. 3.Preferably, the screening cart is substantially a frame assembly anddesigned to physically complement the entry gate and internalconfiguration of the X-ray system. In one embodiment, the carry-onbaggage cart comprises a novel “C”-configuration and fits into a“C”-configured entry gate of the X-ray imaging system thereby traversingthe inspection area of the X-ray imaging system. A “C” configuration ofthe carry-on baggage cart also keeps the members or bars comprising theframe assembly of the cart away from the X-ray path, thus facilitatingappropriate positioning of the carry-on items that are placed upon it.This, in turn, assists in accurate scanning of the contents of thecarry-on baggage cart via X-ray, thus leading to the capturing, storing,processing and development of complete X-ray images.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of an exemplary carry-onbaggage cart as used in the present invention is depicted. Carry-onbaggage cart 200 comprises a substantially connected frame assembly withsubstantially rectangular base 205 and substantially rectangular drawer(or bin or tray) 210, integrally connected by connecting vertical arm215, thus forming a “C”-shape frame assembly. Preferably carry-onbaggage cart 200 is of the following material and constructionalspecifications: rigid and lightweight metallic material such as, but notlimited to, stainless steel or aluminum. A person of ordinary skillwould appreciate that the materials used for the cart are not limited tothe above mentioned metallic materials and can be easily adjusted tosuit varied operational requirements and specifications.

Although cart 200 is preferably constructed in the form of athree-dimensional “C”-shape, a variety of other design approaches may beadopted for the construction of the carry-on baggage cart and itscorresponding X-ray screening system and are readily apparent to personsof ordinary skill in the art.

In one embodiment, carry-on baggage cart 200 comprises athree-dimensional “C”-shaped frame assembly. Carry-on baggage cart 200comprises base 205 and drawer 210 integrally connected by verticalconnecting arm 215. Cart base 205 preferably comprises wheels 220 a, 220b, 220 c, and 220 d. While it is preferred that carry-on baggage cart200 is propelled via wheels, one of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand that any other conveyance mechanism may be employed in thepresent invention. Cart base 205 further comprises four side bars ormembers 205 a, 205 b, 205 c, and 205 d which are laterally connected toone another. Side members 205 a, 205 b, 205 c, and 205 d may optionallybe connected to a floor base 205 e (not shown). Side members 205 a and205 d are preferably parallel to each other. Side members 205 b and 205c are preferably parallel to each other. Side member 205 a is preferablyperpendicular to side members 205 b and 205 c. Side member 205 d is alsopreferably perpendicular to side members 205 b and 205 c, thus forming arectangular base.

The bottom end 215 a of integrally connecting vertical arm 215 isconnected to proximal side member 205 a of cart base 205, just abovewheel 220 a. The top portion 215 b of connecting vertical arm 215 isfixably connected to drawer 210, at its proximal end 210 a. Drawer 210has four side walls 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210 d which are fixably andadjacently connected to one another. In addition, four side walls 210 a,210 b, 210 c, and 210 d are integrally connected to drawer base 210 e.Drawer 210 may further be compartmentalized by an additional retainingwall, such as 210 f. Drawer 210 or parts thereof may optionally beremovable for ease of loading and unloading carry-on items. In addition,drawer 210 may optionally comprise a lockable cover (not shown) foradditional security of personal items. Drawer 210 is preferablyrectangular in form, such as with cart base 205, wherein side walls 210a and 210 d may be shorter in length than walls 210 b and 210 c,although a variety of shapes may be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c illustrate various perspective views of theC-frame X-ray imaging system as used in the carry-on baggage screeningportion of the integrated screening system of the present invention. Asdescribed with respect to FIG. 3 a and 3 b, X-ray imaging system 300comprises a radiation source 305 and an X-ray detector array 310.Preferably, the X-ray imaging system 300 employed is of a backscatterdetection type. Depending on the design of the corresponding cart,radiation source 305 can be located either above or below the drawer ofthe carry-on cart shown in FIG. 2. The array of detectors is preferablyabove or below the cart, also depending upon the placement of theradiation source 305.

In one embodiment, radiation source 305 is an X-ray generator. Thesource of radiation includes radio-isotopic source, an X-ray tube or anyother source known in the art capable of producing beam flux and energysufficiently high to direct a beam to traverse the space through thecarry-on baggage cart and the contents of the cart to detectors at theother side. The choice of source type and its intensity and energydepends upon the sensitivity of the detectors, the radiographic densityof the cargo in the space between the source and detectors, radiationsafety considerations, and operational requirements, such as theinspection speed. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate howto select a radiation source type, depending upon his or her inspectionrequirements.

In an optional embodiment, the radiation source may be a dual energyradiation source which employs respectively different radiation energiesor two detector systems, having varying sensitivities to differingradiation energies. By comparing at least two congruent radiation imagesthat were obtained with respectively different radiation energies, it ispossible to discriminate articles having low and high ordering number.Organic materials, such as drugs and explosives, can thus be betterdistinguished from other materials, for example metals (weapons).

While not shown in FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c, X-ray imaging system 300also comprises a floor conveyance mechanism, further comprising guiderails for accepting the wheel mechanism of the carry-on baggage cart,both of which are described in further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 3 c, the X-ray imaging system 300 comprises detectorarray 310. FIG. 3 c is a two-dimensional side perspective view of theX-ray imaging machine shown in FIG. 3 a. Preferably, detector array 310is an “L”-shaped array, as shown. Detectors 310 may be formed by a stackof crystals that generate analog signals when X-rays impinge upon them,with the signal strength proportional to the amount of beam attenuationin the object under inspection. In one embodiment, the X-ray beamdetector arrangement consists of a linear array of solid-state detectorsof the crystal-diode type. A typical arrangement uses cadmium tungstatescintillating crystals to absorb the X-rays transmitted through the OUIand to convert the absorbed X-rays into photons of visible light.Crystals such as bismuth germinate, sodium iodide, or other suitablecrystals may be alternatively used as known to a person of ordinaryskill in the art. The crystals can be directly coupled to a suitabledetector, such as a photodiode or photo-multiplier. The detectorphotodiodes could be linearly arranged, which through unity-gaindevices, provide advantages over photo-multipliers in terms of operatingrange, linearity and detector-to-detector matching. In anotherembodiment, an area detector is used as an alternative to linear arraydetectors. Such an area detector could be a scintillating strip, such ascesium iodide or other materials known in the art, viewed by a suitablecamera or optically coupled to a charge-coupled device (CCD).

Referring to FIG. 4, the operational aspects of the inspection areaentrance in one embodiment of the integrated carry-on cart and passengerscreening station 400 (not shown in its entirety) of the presentinvention is illustrated. An exemplary carry-on baggage cart orscreening cart 404 of the present invention is shown just before it isguided via guide rail conveyance mechanism 401 into the custom-designedentrance 403 of the X-ray imaging system 402. Custom-designed entrance403 is preferably formed in the same shape as its correspondingscreening cart 404. In one embodiment, the entrance to the X-ray imagingsystem 402 defines a “C”-shaped opening so that the preferred “C”-shapedcarry-on baggage cart design, described with respect to FIG. 2 above, iseasily guided through the system via guide rail conveyance mechanism401.

Guide rail conveyance mechanism 401 preferably includes structural railmembers placed laterally opposite from one another. Structural railmembers preferably comprise protrusions or fingers for physicallyattaching to the carry-on baggage cart at its distal end 405 to pull thecart through the inspection aperture of X-ray imaging system 402. Thus,the wheels of the carry-on baggage cart are guided through theconveyance mechanism via a guide-rail system with propelling fingerswhen the scanning process begins. The conveyor speed is controlled toensure proper resolution of the scanned item when being projected on theoperator monitor.

After a passenger loads his or her items onto the carry-on baggage cart,the individual provides loading indications to the system. Such loadingindications may be varied, depending upon the operational requirementsof the system. In one embodiment, the loading indication is provided bythe passenger or the operator pressing a button provided within eachloading area. Once depressed, the button advances the carry-on baggagecart through the guide rail system.

In another embodiment, the system employs an electronic mat thatautomatically signals the start and end of loading the carry-on baggagecart to the system using the weight and exerted pressure by cart and/orindividual using the system.

In one embodiment, the system requires the user to swipe a magneticboarding card to signal the start and finish of loading through cardreader machines [not shown] installed at each of the loading areas.Using this technique, the system can track the owner of the items thatare deposited for scanning.

Upon receiving a loading indication, the guide rail conveyance mechanism401 snags, via its finger mechanisms, the leading edge of the cart 404,and pulls it toward custom-designed entrance 403 through X-ray imagingsystem 402 for screening. The guide rails direct the wheels of the cart404 through the interior sidewalls of the X-ray imaging system 402. Thelength and speed of the guide rail conveyance mechanism 401 is chosen soas to give optimum time to the operators to make a decision.

As described with respect to FIG. 3 above, the X-rays are filtered andcollimated as they are emitted from the radiation source (not shown inFIG. 4). Subsequently, these rays pass through the contents of thecarry-on baggage cart and are then detected by the X-ray detectors (notshown in FIG. 4). The X-rays are then captured by an image intensifierand displayed on a monitor. Further, the captured image is stored in amemory for later processing in order to develop a final image. In oneembodiment, the images may be viewed by security personnel. In anotherembodiment, the images may be “pre-screened” by a computer usingmathematically based image processing algorithms. In the event thecomputer does not detect a threat, the cart is “cleared” immediately. Ifa potential threat is detected, then the image is sent to a workstationwhere security personnel can view the image and make a determination ofwhether the articles in the cart need to be hand searched.

Once scanned, the guide rail conveyance mechanism 401 delivers thescanned carry-on baggage cart 404 to a designated collection point. Thecollection point may be designated by an operator or controlledautomatically and is preferably away from the screening area to avoidcongestion. In addition, the collection point may comprise a designatedsearch area for those passengers requiring additional searching, wheresecurity personnel perform a manual search of the passenger and theircarry-on items. To aid the security personnel in manual searching ofitems, the X-ray or optical images of the items are displayed on aplurality of search screens, in front of the security personnel. In oneembodiment, an operator console is present within the designated searchthereby assisting the security personnel to optionally change thedisplay format or orientation of the images displayed on the searchscreens.

In one embodiment, the operator is given a predetermined time period toinspect the items, after which the system routes the items to apredetermined default, which can be either towards designated area foroff-loading carts or towards designated search area, depending on thesystem settings.

In one embodiment, operators, controlling the system via an operatorworkstation, can inform users from which designated collection area theindividual can retrieve his or her cart containing belongings. One ofordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the selection of siteregarding installation of the operator workstations can be madedepending upon the specific operational requirements. For instance, andby no way of limitation, operator workstations may preferably beinstalled either near the X-ray imaging system 402 or remotely locatedand controlled in a different room entirely. The location and placementof operator workstations does not impose any restriction on theinvention itself.

In another embodiment, the system is controlled by a software systemthat determines the collection point to which the items will bedelivered after scanning.

In one embodiment, all the entry points (or X-ray lanes) are assigned aunique number, and each entry point will have a corresponding collectionpoint. Items transferred to the guide rail conveyance mechanism 401through a particular entry point will be made available only on thecollection point corresponding to that entry point. The numbers of eachentry point and collection point will be displayed to the users.

In yet another embodiment, the system requires the user to swipe theboarding card, through card reader machines installed at the collectionpoints, before collecting the scanned items. Thus, the system furtherensures authenticity of the users before yielding the scanned items. Inaddition, the system thus prevents the loss of articles due to theft ormistake.

In one embodiment, instead of collecting the scanned items from thecollection point corresponding,to the entry point used for depositingthe items, the user can collect his items from any collection point byswiping his boarding card through the machine installed at thatcollection point. The term “scanned item”, as used here refers to thecarry-on baggage cart with passenger belongings on it, but it notlimited to such interpretation.

As described with respect to FIG. 5 below, metal detectors and/or tracedetectors are employed in the integrated system of the present inventionand are used to scan individuals and passengers after they havedeposited their belongings for X-ray scanning via the carry-on baggagecart screening system. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an automatedpassenger X-ray metal detector in an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Metal detector 500 is automated to include a controlled entrygate 501 and a controlled exit gate 502. The exit gate is controlled toopen upon approach by a passenger as long as the passenger does nottrigger an alarm. Upon detection of a threat or item of concern on thebody of a passenger as he walks through and under the defined opening503 of metal detector, the passenger is tagged as suspect andsimultaneously an alarm, status signal, or other threat indicatorinformation is communicated to an indicator system 504. Thereafter, thepassenger is directed towards a designated search area by a dedicatedoperator, where the passenger is manually searched by securitypersonnel.

Metal detector 500 may preferably comprise an associated processor 505(not shown) and a memory 506 (not shown). Optionally, metal detector 500has an embedded counter incorporated into processor 505 that records andstores the number of people that pass through the metal detector 500 ina given period of time.

In another embodiment, a trace portal may screen passengers. Detectionof certain trace materials, including, for example, explosives,contraband traces, or traces of materials that are not contraband butmay be associated with contraband or other prohibited activities, suchas gun oil, may be used to enhance the security level of the othersystems.

In another embodiment, the screening system of the present inventioncomprises a plurality of screening devices, including, but not limitedto, metal detectors, carry-on baggage cart systems as described below,X-ray imaging systems, baggage trace detectors, trace portals, personnelscanners, quadrupole resonance systems, X-ray diffraction systems, andpersonnel identification systems. The screening devices are optionallyin data communication with at least one other screening device and/or acentral server. The present invention may include two or more differentdevices and is not limited in the number or diversity of devicesutilized. Data from a plurality of the devices may optionally beintegrated to provide a complete picture of the threat level associatedwith an individual or a baggage, as opposed to being solely evaluated ateach device.

In one embodiment, each screening device has an associated memory andprocessing power that is used to evaluate the threat level associatedwith an entity, being scanned or detected, and determine the value ofassessment data to be transferred preferably to other devices. Forexample, a passenger screening metal detector may compare obtained scaninformation with image data stored in memory to determine the threatlevel associated with an entity and, accordingly, determine the value ofassessment data.

Screening devices while in communication exchange information comprisingassessment data including, but not limited to, information that providesa quantitative or qualitative assessment of how insecure a detected orscreened entity, such as a passenger or a bag, may be. The assessmentdata is preferably more than a binary alarm indicator. In oneembodiment, the assessment data is a numerical value on a scale of tenthat corresponds to a specific threat level. The scales for evaluatingthe threat level can be developed for each device based on priorexperience. It must be noted that the design, calibration, and use ofsuch scales, such as those mentioned in the evaluation of threat levelof an entity, are routine undertakings of engineering for those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosureconsequently they will not be further detailed herein.

In one embodiment, the comparison of obtained scan information withimage data stored in memory followed by evaluation of threat level andsubsequent determination of assessment data may preferably comprise ofcases including, but not restricted to, first, second, and third caseetc. in that order, depending upon distinct circumstances arisingtherein plus corresponding actions taken for the same. Firstly if, forexample, the X-ray screening system associates scan data with imagesresembling objects including, but not limited to, guns, cartridges,weapons, or other dangerous items etc. It can assign a high threat valueto the scanned entity and, accordingly, generate assessment data that,regardless of the other assessment data generated by other devices,would trigger an alarm. Secondly if, for example, the X-ray screeningsystem associates scan data with images that resemble low threat items,such as elongated structures or metallic boxes, it can assign a lowerthreat value to the scanned entity and, accordingly, generate assessmentdata that may, in combination with assessment from other devices,trigger an alarm. Lastly if, for example, the X-ray system associatesscan data with images that resemble negligible threat items, such asclothing, it can assign a minimal threat value to the scanned entityand, accordingly, generate assessment data that will not trigger analarm.

In another embodiment of the integrated carry-on baggage cart andpassenger screening station, facilitating screening of both carry-onluggage placed on the screening cart and individual passengers, acomputed tomography (CT) scanner is employed. Thus, the correspondingcarry-on baggage cart is designed to facilitate screening via non-“C”shaped scanners, such as, but not limited to CT scanners. In addition,the corresponding carry-on baggage cart is X-ray transmissive to allowfor the CT scanner system to scan completely around the cart. While thesecond embodiment is described with respect to an integrated carry-onbaggage cart and passenger screening station in which a CT scanner isemployed, it is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat this invention is not limited to such uses, but that any scanningdevice or mechanism may be used.

CT scanners are being increasingly deployed for securing locations suchas airports, as they more accurately recognize chemical and physicalproperties of scanned objects compared with conventional X-ray scanningsystems. A CT scanner rotates completely about the object underinspection.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a conventional Computed Tomography(CT) baggage scanning system as used in the integrated carry-on cart andpassenger screening station of the present invention. A typical CTsystem 600 comprises conveyor gantry 605 and a hollow tube CT scanchamber 610. The operational characteristics of a CT scanning system aredescribed in further detail with respect to FIG. 8 below and will not berepeated here.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a conventional Computed Tomography(CT) baggage scanning system just prior to receiving a collapsiblecarry-on cart, as used in the integrated carry-on cart and passengerscreening station of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 7depicts CT scanning system 700 with corresponding carry-on cart 715positioned for placement onto conveyor gantry 705. As described infurther detail below, specially designed carry-on cart 715 is collapsedprior to placement onto conveyor gantry 705. Once collapsed, thepre-positioned and collapsed carry-on cart 715 is placed for entranceinto hollow tube CT scan chamber 710.

As shown in FIG. 7, in general operation the carry-on cart preferablyloaded with carry-on baggage (not shown) is transported into the hollowtube scan chamber 710 via conveyer 705. Once in the chamber, the baggageis subjected to electromagnetic imaging for generation of two andthree-dimensional images. FIG. 8 illustrates a general mode of operationof a conventional CT baggage scanning system.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a conventional CT scanner typically includes aradiation source 801 and a detector array 802. Both radiation source 801and detector array 802 rotate circumferentially or 360° around object803 while in scanning operation. Thus, images are obtained from allangles as streams of light are transmitted throughout object 803. Thescanner then uses these images to create detailed cross-sectionalslices, or tomographs, of specific areas.

Inside the CT chamber, an object is virtually “divided” intothree-dimensional units called “voxels.” The “voxels” are then used todetermine specific object densities and volumes. Based upon density andvolume values, the software uses a database with already known values toautomatically correlate the mass characteristics of luggage contents tothose of potential explosives. If the system finds a match, it alertsthe operator, by highlighting suspect areas within the CT slice.

Since CT scanners are slower than conventional baggage-scanning systems,they are not usually employed to scan every piece of luggage; often CTscanning is performed only on items flagged as suspicious during priorinspections. However, precise detection of several dangerous materials,especially explosives, is most effectively carried out with CT scanners.In order to improve the efficiency and throughput of the CT scanningprocess, the screening system of present invention allows for allbaggage placed on a carry-on cart associated with a passenger to bescreened simultaneously.

Referring back to FIG. 6, in operation, the carry-on baggage cart 601 isloaded onto conveyor gantry 605, which transports the cart into the CTscanning chamber. Thus, the carry-on cart is a sturdy, transportableluggage cart. Preferably, the legs on the cart are collapsible to allowfor ease of entrance into the CT scanning chamber. FIG. 9 a is aperspective view of one embodiment of a carry-on baggage cart asemployed in the present invention, in an extended configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 9 a, carry-on baggage cart 900 comprises a toppart 901, such as, but not limited to a board, compartment, or drawerfor holding the baggage and/or carry-on items. Carry-on baggage cartfurther comprises cart legs 902 a, 902 b, 902 c, and 902 d. The distalends of legs 902 a-902 d are fitted with wheels 903 a, 903 b, 903 c, 903d. The proximate ends of legs 902 a-902 d are movably attached to topframe 904 a. In addition, top frame 904 a comprises handle 904 b foreasy maneuvering of the carry-on baggage cart 900. Top part 901 ispreferably designed such that it can be connected to top frame 904 a andhandle 904 b. In addition, carry-on baggage cart 900 preferablycomprises supplementary cart legs 905 a and 905 b, which in oneembodiment are movably attached to cart legs 902 c and 902 d at theirproximate ends. Supplementary wheels 906 a and 906 b are fixedlyattached to the distal ends of supplementary cart legs 905 a and 905 band are preferably provided for maneuvering the cart in a collapsedconfiguration, as described in greater detail below with respect to FIG.9 b. Supplementary cart legs 905 a and 905 b equipped with supplementarywheels 906 a and 906 b are fixedly attached to cart legs 902 a and 902 bvia horizontal cart leg support braces 907 a and 907 b. In oneembodiment, horizontal cart leg support braces 907 a and 907 b provide astructural support for the collapsed carry-on baggage cart. In oneembodiment, carry-on baggage cart further comprises display screen 910,which is described in greater detail below with respect to the securityenhancement feature of this innovation.

Referring now to FIG. 9 b, a perspective view of one embodiment of acarry-on baggage cart as employed in the present invention is depicted.FIG. 9 b illustrates a side view of the carry-on baggage cart 900 in acollapsed configuration. In one embodiment, to allow for easy loading ofthe cart onto the conveyor of a CT scanner, cart legs 902 a-d aremovably attached to top frame 904 a and handle 904 b to allow for thecarry-on cart to easily collapse. Thus, the cart legs 902 a-902 d alongwith wheels 903 a-903 d may be retracted, or collapsed, on the undersideof the cart (not shown) prior to loading onto the conveyor, for faciletransportation through the conveyor. In addition, when cart legs 902 a,902 b, 902 c, and 902 d are collapsed, supplementary cart legs 905 a and905 b extend and become operable along with supplementary wheels 906 aand 906 b. Cart legs 902 a and 902 b assume an angled position, yetremain in operation when cart 900 is in a collapsed configuration. Cartlegs 902 c (shown in FIG. 9 b) and 902 d (not shown) are in a stowedposition and are not in operation when then cart is collapsed.

Additionally, carry-on baggage cart 900 is provided with a lock andrelease mechanism (not shown) for locking the cart legs 902 a-902 d andwheels 903 a-903 d in either a retracted or extended position. The lockand release mechanism is preferably controlled by a handle or a pushbutton (not shown) provided on the cart, which may be operated by thepassenger whose luggage is to be scanned or by an operator, after theindividual indicates that loading of baggage on the cart has finished.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of one exemplary embodiment andfunctional layout of an integrated carry-on baggage cart and passengerscreening station 1000, facilitating screening of both carry-on luggageplaced on the screening cart and individual passengers. Thus, inoperation, an individual passenger loads the carry-on baggage cart 1001containing his or her luggage and moves it toward the entrance 1002 of aCT scanning system 1005 for screening. Here, the individual or operatoruses the control on the cart (not shown), thus causing the cart legs toretract or collapse. The cart can then be transported onto the conveyor1003 provided at the entrance 1002 of the CT scanning system.Preferably, the loading end of the conveyor belt is located proximate tothe floor level. The conveyor is then graded upwards to transport thecart into the CT scanning chamber 1004, as shown in FIG. 10. Theconveyor mechanism allows for convenient loading of the cart, withminimal physical effort on the part of the individual or the operator.

In an alternate embodiment, the entrance of the CT scanning system maybe designed such that the inlet to the scanning chamber is at floorlevel. In this embodiment, a guide-rail mechanism may be used to pullthe cart into the scanner entrance, as previously described with respectto the first embodiment of the present invention.

Preferably, the carry-on baggage cart is designed to allow for the cartsto be stacked or inserted into one another when not in use. Thisprovides for easy and space-saving storage of carts.

As previously mentioned, the process of CT scanning involves a completecircumferential (360°) rotation by the illuminating source and detectorsabout the object under inspection. In order to allow irradiation andimaging from all angles, the carry-on baggage cart is designed to becompletely X-ray transmissive. Preferably, the entire cart, includinglegs, wheels, and handle is manufactured using a suitable X-raytransmissive material or combination thereof. Such X-ray transmissivematerials include, but are not limited to, carbon fiber or transparentsynthetic resin, or any other sturdy plastic.

As described with respect to FIG. 5 above, metal detectors and/or tracedetectors are employed in the integrated system of the present inventionand are used to scan individuals and passengers after they havedeposited their belongings for X-ray scanning via the carry-on baggagecart screening system. FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary passenger screeningstation of the present invention, in which an automated passenger X-raymetal detector further comprising a turnstile is employed.

Now referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, metal detector 1100 isautomated to include a controlled entry turnstile 1101 and a controlledexit turnstile 1102. The exit turnstile 1002 is controlled to open uponapproach by a passenger as long as the passenger does not trigger analarm. Upon detection of a threat or item of concern on the body of apassenger as he walks through and under the defined opening of the metaldetector, the passenger is tagged as suspect and simultaneously analarm, status signal, or other threat indicator information iscommunicated to an indicator system (not shown). Thereafter, thepassenger is directed towards a designated search area by a dedicatedoperator, where the passenger is manually searched by securitypersonnel.

Metal detector 1100 preferably comprises an associated processor (notshown) and a memory (not shown). Optionally, metal detector 1100 has anembedded counter incorporated into the processor that records and storesthe number of people that pass through the metal detector 1100 in agiven period of time.

In another embodiment, a trace portal may screen passengers. Detectionof certain trace materials, including, for example, explosives,contraband traces, or traces of materials that are not contraband butmay be associated with contraband or other prohibited activities, suchas gun oil, may be used to enhance the security level of the othersystems.

In one embodiment, the integrated carry-on cart and passenger screeningstation of the present invention further comprises enhanced security. Inone embodiment, the security enhancement comprises a method foridentifying a passenger and associating the identified passenger with acorresponding carry-on baggage cart. In an exemplary embodiment, thesecurity enhancement features of the present invention includeidentifying a passenger via a bar code, such as, but not limited to, abar code on a boarding pass. The identified passenger is then associatedwith a carry-on baggage cart wherein the passenger identification isread by a bar code reader located at a cart access station. Thepassenger, already equipped with a current boarding pass from anauthorized agent (such as airline personnel), passes the boarding passunderneath the bar code reader. The bar code reader then registers theinformation from the bar code on the boarding pass into a database,associates a cart with a passenger. Once associated with a passenger,the cart is subsequently released to the passenger.

It should be noted however, that a passenger can be identified via manyidentification methods, such as using personal forms of identification,which include, but are not limited to, a credit card, driver's license,state identification card, passport, or any accepted form ofidentification as are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art.The personal identification means may be read by a correspondingidentification reading means, including, but not limited to, a magneticcard reading device, a credit card reader, or any accepted means foraccepting identification as are well-known to those of ordinary skill inthe art.

The passenger identification can also be read by security personnel. Inthis embodiment, security personnel manually inspect the personalidentification and if the identification is accepted, push a button torelease the associated carry-on baggage cart to the passenger.

In one embodiment, both a boarding pass with a bar code and a personalidentification means may be used to associate a passenger with acarry-on cart. In this embodiment, security personnel can compare theidentification displayed on the carry-on baggage cart with the personalidentification and subsequently release the cart to the passenger.

Referring back to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, carry-on baggage cartfurther comprises small computer and display screen 910, for displayingthe association information scanned from the passenger boarding passonto the carry-on baggage cart. The information includes, but is notlimited to, passenger name and flight information. This physicallyidentifies a particular passenger with a particular cart, and thus thepassenger is associated with his or her belongings. As noted above, if apassenger is identified via any other identification method, such asusing personal forms of identification, such identification informationmay also be displayed on the small computer and display screen 910.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting exemplary operational steps in thesecurity enhancement mechanism of the integrated carry-on baggage cartand passenger screening station of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 12, in step 1205, the carry-on cart access area receivesidentification from a person to be screened. Such identification methodsare described in detail above and will not be repeated herein. Onceidentification means are received, a carry-on baggage cart is associatedwith a passenger via the identification received, as shown in step 1210.In step 1215, the passenger or person to be screened places his or heritems on the carry-on baggage cart.

In one embodiment, the carry-on cart employed in the present inventionmay further comprise a cover. In one embodiment, the cover furthercomprises a roll-top or netting. In an optional step 1220, the coverautomatically locks when the passenger closes it after he finishes thedivestiture process. Thus, the items are kept safe from theft,especially where items of value, such as jewelry and laptops areconcerned.

In step 1225, the carry-on cart is passed through the screeningmechanism. The various embodiments of the carry-on cart screeningmechanism have been described in detail with respect to the embodimentsabove and will not be described in detail herein.

In step 1230, after the scanning process is complete, the carry-on cartmay be released to the associated passenger if the identificationreceived by the cart matches that associated with the cart. If thecarry-on baggage cart is positively identified with a particularpassenger, then in an optional step 1235, the carry-on cart is unlocked.The passenger can “unlock” the cart cover by simply waving the bar codeon his boarding pass underneath the bar code reader that is fixedlyattached to the small computer on the cart.

If the wrong identification is presented to the carry-on baggage cart,and the cart cannot be positively associated with the passengerpresenting the identification, in optional step 1240, an alarm maysound. If an alarm is activated, security personnel agents willintervene, as shown in step 1245. Security personnel agents can alsomanually deactivate the alarm. The security personnel agent willmanually verify the identification or re-route the cart to the correctpassenger.

If the cart is flagged by the scanning system as containing a potentialthreat, the boarding pass or other identification and association meansis rendered ineffective and security personnel agents are in control ofthe cart. In one embodiment, security personnel agents may manuallyunlock the cart cover for manual inspection of its contents.

In one embodiment, the cart may transmit identification information tosecurity personnel wirelessly. Thus, the identification information istransmitted to the security personnel agent at the carry-on baggage cartscreening station and also the security personnel screener at thepassenger screening station. Thus, the security personnel agents canconfirm, in real-time, that the carry-on cart and a passenger walkingthrough the passenger screening device are associated. The securitypersonnel agents can then compare the passenger identification to theinformation received at their respective screening stations.

The above examples are merely illustrative of the many applications ofthe system of present invention. Although only a few embodiments of thepresent invention have been described herein, it should be understoodthat the present invention might be embodied in many other forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, thepresent examples and embodiments should be considered as illustrativeand not restrictive, and the invention may be modified within the scopeof the appended claims.

1. A method for conducting security comprising the steps of: providing aperson to be screened with a screening cart wherein the screening cartis a frame assembly designed to physically complement a computedtomography (CT) scanning system; providing a conveyer mechanism thatdirects the screening cart through a computed tomography (CT) scanningsystem; inspecting the contents of the screening cart by means of CTscanning; and delivering the screening cart to the passenger.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the step of directing a passengerto walk through a passenger screening device.
 3. The method of claim 2wherein the passenger screening device is a metal detector.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the step of a passenger indicatingthat the passenger is ready to be screened.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein the cart is comprised of an X-ray transmissive material.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the X-ray scanning system comprises aradiation source and a detector array.
 7. The method of claim 6 whereinsaid radiation source is a dual energy source.
 8. The method of claim 1wherein the X-ray scanning system comprises any one or a combination ofComputerized Tomography (CT) scanning systems, X-ray diffraction systemsand X-ray backscatter systems.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein thescreening cart is a frame assembly designed with collapsible legs. 10.The method of claim 1 wherein the screening cart is a frame assemblydesigned to stack into other screening carts for storage.
 11. A systemfor conducting security comprising; a CT scanning system furthercomprising an entrance designed to physically complement a screeningcart frame assembly; a guide mechanism to direct a screening cartpassing through the CT scanning system; and a mechanism for deliveringthe screening cart to the passenger after both passenger and cart havebeen screened.
 12. The security system of claim 11 wherein said X-rayscanning system comprises a radiation source and a detector array. 13.The security system of claim 11 wherein said radiation source is a dualenergy source.
 14. The security system of claim 11 wherein a passengerscreening device is provided.
 15. The security system of claim 11wherein the passenger screening device is a metal detector.
 16. Thesecurity system of claim 11 wherein the cart is comprised of an X-raytransmissive material.
 17. A method for conducting security comprisingthe steps of: providing a person to be screened with a screening cartwherein the screening cart is a frame assembly designed to physicallycomplement the entry gate and internal configuration of a CT scanningsystem; providing a conveyer mechanism that directs the screening cartthrough a CT scanning system; inspecting the contents of the screeningcart by means of CT scanning; indicating to a passenger to walk througha passenger screening device; delivering the screening cart to thepassenger, after both passenger and cart have been screened; andintegrating data collected from both X-ray scanning system and passengerscreening device to generate overall threat assessment.
 18. The methodof claim 17 wherein the passenger screening device is a metal detector.19. The method of claim 17 wherein the cart is comprised of an X-raytransmissive material.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein the X-rayscanning system comprises a radiation source and a detector array. 21.The method of claim 17 wherein said radiation source is a dual energysource.
 22. The method of claim 17 wherein the screening cart is a frameassembly designed to stack into other screening carts for storage. 23.The method of claim 17 wherein the screening cart is a frame assemblydesigned with collapsible legs.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein thelegs of the cart frame assembly are collapsed prior to entrance into theconveyor mechanism.
 25. The method of claim 23 wherein the legs of thecart frame are expanded prior to delivery to the passenger.
 26. A systemfor conducting security comprising: a CT scanning system furthercomprising an entrance designed to physically complement a screeningcart frame assembly; a guide mechanism to direct a screening cartpassing through the CT scanning system; a passenger screening device; amechanism for delivering the screening cart to the passenger after bothpassenger and cart have been screened; and an integrated screeningstation for integrating data collected from both CT scanning system andpassenger screening device to generate overall threat assessment. 27.The system of claim 26 wherein said integrated screening stationcomprises a central server, further comprising a processor and a memoryin data communication with the CT scanning system and the passengerscreening device.
 28. The system of claim 26 wherein the passengerscreening device is a metal detector.
 29. A method for conductingsecurity comprising the steps of: providing a person to be screened witha screening cart wherein the screening cart is a frame assembly designedto physically complement a computed tomography (CT) scanning system andwherein the screening cart is X-ray transmissive; providing a conveyermechanism that directs the screening cart through a computed tomography(CT) scanning system; inspecting the contents of the screening cart bymeans of CT scanning; and delivering the screening cart to thepassenger.
 30. A method for conducting security comprising the steps of:providing a person to be screened with a screening cart wherein thescreening cart is a frame assembly designed to physically complement acomputed tomography (CT) scanning system; associating a person to bescreened with the provided screening cart; providing a conveyermechanism that directs the screening cart through a computed tomography(CT) scanning system; inspecting the contents of the screening cart bymeans of CT scanning; and delivering the screening cart to thepassenger.
 31. The method of claim 30 wherein said step of associating aperson to be screened with the provided screening cart further comprisesidentifying a passenger.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein said stepof identifying a passenger is achieved via a boarding pass.
 33. Themethod of claim 31, wherein said step of identifying a passenger isachieved via a personal identification means.
 34. The method of claim 32wherein a bar code reader is employed to scan in passenger informationvia a boarding pass.
 35. The method of claim 30 wherein said screeningcart further comprises a small computer and display for receiving anddisplaying passenger information.
 36. A method for conducting securitycomprising the steps of: providing a person to be screened with ascreening cart wherein the screening cart is a frame assembly designedto physically complement a computed tomography (CT) scanning system;identifying a person to be screened; associating the person to bescreened with the provided screening cart; providing a conveyermechanism that directs the screening cart through a computed tomography(CT) scanning system; inspecting the contents of the screening cart bymeans of CT scanning; and delivering the screening cart to thepassenger.